FRP Sheet Specifications
FRP stands for "fiber reinforced polymer," which is typically a fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer matrix. It may also be reinforced with a material with similar reinforcing properties as fiber. An FRP sheet pile is a flat piece of material used to build walls, barriers and supports for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Safety and quality assurance of FRP sheets are governed by the American Society of Testing and Materials, an internationally recognized developer of voluntary consensus standards.
Other People Are Reading
-
ASTM Standards
-
The ASTM standards associated with the specifications of FRP sheets are titled "ASTM D3039: Tensile Properties of Plastics" and "ASTM D790: Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics." Compositez, a provider of FRP sheets, has produced a report outlining the implications of both standards for FRP sheet manufacturers. In the interest safety and product quality, it is best to only purchase FRP sheet piles from manufacturers that meet these standards.
Composite Materials
-
According to these standards, FRP sheet piles should contain resin derived from either polyester or vinyl ester. It must also be UV-resistant. These standards specify that glass reinforcement should be of surface matting and either woven roving, stitched fabric or continuous roving. The standard shape is a zigzag pattern, and the standard color is gray.
-
Manufacturing and Dimensions
-
The ASTM standards specify that FRP sheet piles should be manufactured through an industrial process called pultrusion, which involves moving resin-based reinforcements through a heated metal die. They are to have a width tolerance of about 18 inches, a depth tolerance of about 7.25 inches, a thickness tolerance of about 0.25 inches and a weight of about 4.5 pounds per foot.
Handling
-
FRP sheet piles are susceptible to abrasions and denting. This should be taken into account when considering storage and transportation. Keep them off hard surfaces as much as possible and lift them carefully off of surface that may scratch. Drilling should carried out with drill bits tipped with either carbide or cobslt. Cutting should be carried out using masonry blades with edged made of cabide. ASTM delegates installation requirements and repair guidelines to the manufacturers of FRP products.
-
